In Brief 

• The five hospitals of the Crozer-Keystone Health System are now offering “Healthy Food Choices” several times a week in an effort to help employees improve their nutrition habits. 
• Healthy food choices are made with healthy ingredients and minimal amounts of fat and salt. They are served in portions recommended by the federal Food and Drug Administration.
• The food choices are offered in conjunction with Shape Up PA, a four-month competition that challenges people all over the state to improve their activity levels and lose weight.

Looking to shed those last few stubborn pounds before swimsuit season gets underway? Want more energy to play with your kids after work? Or are you simply looking to get in shape and ease the negative effects of your weight on your overall health?

If you are, you’re in luck. Crozer-Keystone Health System has introduced new menu selections in the cafeterias of its five hospitals to help you drop those unwanted pounds and get in shape.

“Wellness Works members who are participating in this year’s ‘Shape Up PA’ have learned that making healthy food choices can help you in many ways, from weight loss to overall health,” says Susan Winkles, CKHS employee benefits manager. “CKHS’ cafeterias are supporting them in their quest by offering special healthy selections — along with its regular healthy choices like salads, fruit, yogurt and more.”

You can find new healthy selections at the following hospitals:  

• Community Hospital and Crozer-Chester Medical Center: Both hospitals serve up special “Shape Up Selections” on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 
• Delaware County Memorial Hospital: DCMH is offering a special “Wellness Choice” at least twice weekly.
• Springfield Hospital: Café Carl boasts daily “Healthy Inspirations” menu items (in collaboration with the Healthplex® Sports Club’s popular “Healthy Inspirations” weight-loss program).
• Taylor Hospital: A “Shape Up Selection” is served every Tuesday and Thursday.

The healthy food choices consist of ingredients such as whole grain breads, fruits and vegetables. Foods are prepared using less fat and salt, with portions typically smaller than those received at most fast-food restaurants.

“According to several dietary surveys, American adults are eating more calories per day than they were in the 1970s — partly due to the fact that portion sizes have increased,” says Denise Stratton, R.D., associate director of Nutrition Therapy for Taylor Hospital. “The fact is, people eat more when presented with a large portion size. By cutting down on portion size, you can help improve your chances of succeeding with your weight-loss goals.”

The nutrition choices have been introduced as employees head into the final stages of Shape Up PA, a four-month program that challenges people all over the state to lose weight and increase their activity levels. Thirty-eight teams from Crozer-Keystone — more than 200 people — are participating in the event, now in its second year.

Employees who work special shifts — and those who do not have access to the cafeterias — may find themselves scavenging from vending machines and gift shops. However, healthy choices can still be found from these unusual sources.

“It’s important to take a look at your options if you’re getting your meals and snacks from a vending machine,” says Kimberly Leonowitz, R.D., LDN, clinical nutrition manager at Delaware County Memorial Hospital. “Grabbing a chocolate bar and a soda is probably the worst thing you can do. However, certain foods are better choices than others. Pretzels, potato chips made with olive oil, and peppermint patties are all low in fat. Chewing on gum or hard candies can help you calm a craving until you get to your next meal. From the soda machine, look for V-8, which does contain a high amount of salt but can help you get your vegetable requirement; Yoo-hoo chocolate milk, which has plenty of calcium and some nutritional value; or even a container of skim milk.”

Healthy cafeteria choices are just one way that Crozer-Keystone remains committed to the health and wellness of its employees. Bettering your nutrition habits now can have positive effects on your health well into the future.

“There’s no question that good nutrition habits can help prevent disease,” says Christine Hurley, R.D., CDE., LDN, clinical nutritionist for the Crozer-Keystone Center for Diabetes at Springfield Hospital. “Any kind of weight loss cuts your risk of developing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. If you are pre-diabetic, weight loss of as little as 5 percent can improve your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of developing diabetes by as much as 58 percent.”

For more information about Shape Up PA and Crozer-Keystone’s healthy food choices, call Wellness Works at (610) 595-6380.